Kayla Ellise Moffett Spotlight
CNPA Foggy Bottom and Capitol Hill are proud to have such a dedicated and motivated pediatrician and certified breastfeeding specialist, Kayla Moffett, MD.
Name: Kayla Ellise Moffett, MD
Title: Pediatric Resident
Office: CNPA Foggy Bottom and Capitol Hill
What’s one project/accomplishment you’re especially proud of, and why?
Most recently, I graduated from Children’s National Residency this past June! During residency, I had the privilege of completing the Primary Care Track, a longitudinal, immersive training experience based at CNPA Foggy Bottom and Capitol Hill. It gave me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with families and truly grow into the role of a general pediatrician.
One accomplishment I'm especially proud of is becoming a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist during my PGY-2 year. As I cared for more newborns and postpartum families, I saw firsthand how much real-time lactation support can make a difference. It's incredibly rewarding to help families navigate common breastfeeding challenges and see the relief and confidence that follows.
What core value do you think you embody the most (Compassion, Commitment, Connection) and why?
This is a tough choice because each value is so important to me, but if I had to choose, I'd say Connection.
One of my favorite things about primary care is the privilege of becoming part of my patients' stories. While we bring medical knowledge and expertise, our patients and families are the experts on their own lives. I strive to listen first, understand their unique perspectives, and sometimes even share pieces of my own background when it helps build trust. The most meaningful care happens when medical expertise and genuine human connection come together.
What inspired you to pursue this career path?
It may sound cliché, but I've wanted to be a pediatrician since I was eight years old! As I grew older, my love of science and medicine only deepened. At the same time, I found joy in babysitting and teaching dance to toddlers throughout high school. Combining my love for medicine with the wonder, resilience, and joy of childhood made pediatrics feel like the perfect fit - and it still does.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Outside of work, I have lots of hobbies that keep me energized! I'm an F45 workout enthusiast (400+ classes and counting), love wandering the charming streets of Georgetown, and have recently fallen down the rabbit hole of interior design (ask me about my apartment wallpaper project!). I also love hosting themed gatherings - my latest celebrated the 20th anniversary of High School Musical. And if the Jonas Brothers or Beyoncé are in town, there's a good chance you'll find me there!
What motivates you at work?
This one's easy: my patients!
Even on the busiest clinic days, it's those moments with families that energize me. I love the challenge of moving from room to room - celebrating a six-month-old's developmental milestones in one visit, then serving as a listening ear for a teenager navigating mental health challenges in the next. Every encounter is different, and each one is an opportunity to build trust, support a family, and make a meaningful difference. It's a privilege to care for children and families through every stage of their journey, and I'm grateful I get to do work I truly love. Returning to CNPA as an attending feels especially meaningful because it's where I trained, built lasting relationships with families, and discovered the kind of physician I wanted to become.